People with disabilities can have options to get financial help and support from several placesthe government. This script explains some of Learn about the help government programs available, plus how and where you can turn to get help and find more information. It does not list every possible type of help, but it’s a good starting point. Some information appears in more than one place.

Many financial assistance programs require you to report any other money and support you are receiving, such as pension and employment insurance benefits. You should check with each program about its rules on reporting other benefits you receive, and how they may affect =Understand your disability assistance. legal options=

==Canadian government help and programsDisability assistance for “persons with disabilities”======[http://wwwSomeone can get '''disability assistance''' from the BC government if they are designated as a “person with disabilities”.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/If you qualify for disability/benefit/indexassistance, you get a higher monthly income than someone on basic income assistance in BC.shtml Canada Pension Plan You also get a wider range of medical benefits (CPPsuch as coverage for health equipment) Disability Benefit]====A monthly CPP disability benefit may be available to people who:*are under 65,*stopped working because of a medical conditionhigher asset limit (meaning you can own more and still qualify for assistance), and*paid into the Canada Pension Planmore income exemptions.

===Qualifying for the benefit===[httpTo qualify for disability assistance://www*You must be at least 18, live in BC, and meet immigration rules.servicecanada*You must have income and assets within certain limits.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/*Your disability/voc-rehabmust be severe, expected to last at least two years, and restrict your daily living activities.shtml CPP Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program]====This program offers vocational counseling*You must also need help from another person, financial support for trainingan assistive device, and job search services to people who receive CPP Disability Benefits to help them return to workor an assistance animal.

====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/voc-rehab.shtml Registered Disability Savings Plan](RDSP)=Applying for the benefit===This federal grant/bond program provides up To get disability assistance, you apply to $4,500 the government Ministry responsible for welfare in free grants/bonds a yearBC, with a savings deposit the Ministry of $1,500 each year. Anyone under 60 who is eligible for the disability tax credit can establish an RDSPSocial Development and Poverty Reduction. For a disabled childTo start, the parent or guardian can set up the RDSP. The RDSP is a way you apply for a person or child with a disability welfare and their families to save for the futureattend an eligibility interview.

====[http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability/ Tax breaks]====Several tax benefits are available to people If you meet the Ministry’s basic criteria, you complete a Persons with disabilities, including the disability tax creditDisabilities (PWD) application form. The Canada Revenue Agency website has detailsform includes portions for your doctor and other health professionals to complete.

====For more information, see the Ministry’s website at [http://wwwgov.bc.servicecanadaca/sdpr gov.gcbc.ca/eng/goc/gasoline_tax_refund.shtml Federal excise gasoline tax refundsdpr]====If a medical doctor certifies that a person has permanent mobility impairment and cannot safely use public transport, they can apply for a refund of part of the federal excise tax on the gas they buyor call 1-866-866-0800.

====[http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits Disability benefits Shortly, we describe options for veterans]====Disabled veterans may qualify getting help in applying for the Veterans Affairs Canada disability benefit—an award or pension. Veterans may also be eligible for [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/financial other financial support], such as the [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/financial/war-veterans-allowance War Veterans Allowance]benefits.

====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/Tax benefits/compassionate.shtml Employment Insurance compassionate care benefits]==for people with disabilities==People can receive compassionate care Several tax benefits for up are available to six weeks if people with disabilities. A key one is the '''disability tax credit'''. It helps a person with disabilities or those supporting them reduce the amount of income tax they may have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Unemployed people who are already receiving Employment Insurance benefits can also apply for compassionate care benefitspay.

====For someone to be eligible for the disability tax credit, a medical practitioner must certify the person has a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The Canada Revenue Agency website has details at [http://www.pwdcra-onlinearc.gc.ca/pdisability/ cra-arc.6dlgc.3st@ca/disability].jsp?lang {| class=eng&geo"wikitable"|align=2&cat=5 Persons with Disabilities Online, "left"|'''Tip'''Being eligible for the disability tax credit can open the door to other government programs such as the registered disability savings plan (explained shortly) and financial the [https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html child disability benefit]====(a tax-free monthly payment made to families with a child who has a severe and prolonged disability).Various benefits are explained on this website.|}

====[http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/subjects/benefits/index.shtml Income assistance]==Savings plan for people with disabilities==This site lists many other federal benefits A '''registered disability savings plan''' (organized by categoryRDSP), such as:*Employment Insurance regular benefits*Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits*Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits*The GST/HST credit is a savings plan intended to help parents and others save for people with low or modest incomes*The GST/HST general rebates*Employment Insurance benefits to certain people who live outside Canada if their job is insured under Canada's EI program*International benefitsthe long-term financial security of a disabled person.

====[https://wwwFor every $1 put in an RDSP account, the federal government can match with up to $3.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/living-disability/disability-benefits.html Income assistance for people with disabilities]====This site lists income assistance and other programs and services for people with disabilitiesis the Canada Disability Savings Grant.

====[http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca/f.For people living on a low income (less than $30,000), the federal government will put in $1,000 each year for 20 years.2ch.4m.2@.jsp?lang=eng Benefits Finder]====This site asks several questions about your situation and then generates a list of possible BC and federal benefits, with links to is the programsCanada Disability Savings Bond.

==BC The amount of your disability benefit is based on how much you contributed to the Canada Pension Plan while working. The federal government help and programs======website provides current benefit amounts at [httphttps://www.hsd.gov.bccanada.ca/publicaten/bceaservices/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/BCEAcpp-disability-benefit/benefit-amount.html canada.htm BC Income Assistanceca/cpp]====The BCEA program helps adults 18 or over who are designated as a person with disabilities resulting from a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts their ability to perform daily living activities. Some examples of assistance are:*monthly support and shelter allowance*various supplements, including health supplements*medical coverage*low-cost annual bus passes*transportation support allowance (as of September 1, 2016)*career planning services*job training

The BCEA program also offers other help to people with disabilities (including children, adults, and their families). This includes:===Qualifying for the benefit===*procedural help To qualify for 17½-year-olds to apply for the person with disabilities designation so they can receive a CPP disability assistance when they turn 18.benefit:*increased assets limit of $100,000 based on family unit size#You must be under age 65.*Annualized Earnings Exemption ([http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/policies-#You must have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for-government/bc-employment-assistance-policy-procedure-manual/additional-resources/aee-policy-reg.pdf AEE]) starting at $1,000 per full calendar month ($12,000 per full calendar year) for a single-person family unit and more for family units least four of more than 1 person. People on disability assistance can use their earnings exemption on a yearly the last six years (instead or three of monthlythe last six years if you have contributed for at least 25 years) basis, without .#The government must find you have a monthly maximumphysical or mental disability that is both severe and prolonged.

You can [http://www“Severe” means you have a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of gainful work.hsd.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm apply for assistance online]“Prolonged” means your disability is long-term and indefinite or is likely to result in death.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has detailed information on ===Applying for the benefit===You must apply in writing for the CPP disability benefit. To get the application form, go to [httphttps://www.hsdcanada.govca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-benefit/apply.bchtml canada.ca/pwd.htm income assistance for persons with disabilitiescpp]. Or you can or call the ministry at toll-free 1.866.866.0800-800-277-9914.

If you have an outstanding arrest warrant Shortly, we describe options for an indictable or hybrid offence anywhere getting help in Canada, you cannot get income or disability assistance in BC unless you first do something about the warrant. Check script [[Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (Script 204)|204]], on "Outstanding Warrants and Welfare", applying for detailsbenefits.

The '''[http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/programs/bus-pass.html Bus Pass Program]''' offers lower cost, annual bus passes ==Other government benefits for low income seniors and people receiving disability assistance from BC.disabled workers==

Call '''Enquiry BC''' to ask about any provincial ===Employment Insurance benefits===Disabled workers can also seek help through the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The numbers are 604EI provides benefits to people who lose their jobs.660.2421 in VancouverIt also helps those who can’t work because of sickness, 250.387.6121 in Victoria, and 1.800.663.7867 elsewhere in BCor need time off work to care for a family member.

====[http://wwwEI also offers '''family caregiver benefits''' and '''compassionate care benefits'''.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/permanent_disability_benefit.shtml Canada Student Loans Program—Permanent Disability Benefit]====Students with a permanent disability who are having trouble repaying their loans due to their disability These can apply to the [https://csnpe-nslsc.cibletudes-canlearn.ca/Eng/Default.aspx National Student Loans Service Centre] help if you have to have their loans forgiven (so they don’t have miss work temporarily to repay the loan)care for a family member who is critically ill or injured, or gravely ill with a significant risk of death.

====For more on EI benefits, see the federal government website at [httpshttp://studentaidbcwww.canada.ca/explore/grants-scholarshipsei canada.ca/canada-student-grant-students-permanent-disabilities Canada student grant for students with permanent disabilitiesei]====This program helps part- or full-time students with permanent disabilities with the cost of education.

===Workers compensation benefits===You may be able to get compensation from [https://studentaidbcwww.worksafebc.cacom/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-services-and-equipment-students-permanent-disabilities Canada student grant for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilitiesWorkSafeBC]====This program helps part- if you're a victim of a work accident or fullhave a work-time students with permanent disabilities pay for exceptional education related costs for services and equipmentillness.

==Support for return to work==The Canada Pension Plan offers a [httpshttp://studentaidbcwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/canada-student-grant-students-dependants Canada student grant for students with dependants]====This program helps full-time students with the cost of education if they have dependants 12 or older with a permanent disability. [https:eng/services/studentaidbc.capensions/explorecpp/grants-scholarshipsdisability/canadavoc-student-grant-part-time-students-dependants Part-time studentsrehab.shtml voluntary program] are also eligibleto help CPP disability benefit recipients return to work. The program offers vocational counseling, financial support for training, and job search services.

====[https://studentaidbc.ca/ StudentAid BC]==Financial help for students with disabilities==This BC Several government website has information on student loans, grants, and scholarships. It also has programs that offer financial help for students with loan repayment. And you can apply for student loans on the site. Search the site for “disability” to find all the relevant informationdisabilities.

===Grants and bursaries for students with disabilities===The federal government offers a [https://studentaidbcwww.canada.ca/exploreen/employment-social-development/services/education/grants-scholarships/assistance-program-students-permanent-disabilities BC assistance .html grant program for students with a permanent disabilitiesdisability]====This program helps students . It is designed to help with permanent disabilities pay for exceptional the cost of post-secondary education-related services and adaptive equipment.

====The BC government offers a [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-supplemental-bursary-students-permanent-disability BC supplemental bursary ] for students with a permanent disability. Another BC grant program, the [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-students-permanent-disabilities access grant]====Various bursaries are available, depending on your course loadhelps students with a permanent disability by replacing $1,000 in BC student loan funding.

====The federal government also offers a [https://studentaidbcwww.canada.ca/exploreen/employment-social-development/services/education/grants-scholarships/bcdisabilities-accessservice-equipment.html grant-students-permanent-disabilities BC access grant program for students with permanent disabilitiesservices and equipment]====This program helps full-time for students with a permanent disability with the cost of . This is to help disabled students who require exceptional education by replacing about $1,000 in BC student loan funding-related services or equipment.

====If you have used the funds available through that federal grant program, you can apply to receive the BC government’s [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bcassistance-accessprogram-grantstudents-deafpermanent-students BC access grant disabilities assistance for deaf studentsexceptional services and equipment]====This grant helps deaf and hard-of-hearing for disabled students with the additional costs while attending specialized post-secondary institutions where curriculum is delivered in American Sign Language.

===Forgiven student loans===The BC government offers a student loan [https://studentaidbc.ca/explorerepay/grantsrepayment-scholarshipshelp/youth-educationalrepayment-assistance-fundplan-formerborrowers-youthpermanent-care Youth educational disability repayment assistance fund plan for former youth in care]====This program provides grants up to $5,500 to former BC youth in care students between 19 and 23 years old. They have to meet several criteria, including being a full-time student or a student borrowers with a permanent disability studying at a reduced course load]. This plan helps you manage your student loan debt by reducing your monthly payment and letting you pay back what you can reasonably afford.

====Students with a severe permanent disability can [https://studentaidbcwww.canada.ca/repay/repayment-helpen/repaymentemployment-assistancesocial-plan-borrowersdevelopment/services/education/severe-permanent-disability Repayment assistance plan for borrowers with a permanent disability-benefit.html apply to have their student loans '''forgiven''']====This plan helps you manage your Canada Student Loan and B(so they don’t have to repay the loans).C. Student Loan debt by reducing your monthly payment To qualify, the disability must prevent them from working and letting you pay back what you can reasonably affordfrom participating in post-secondary studies for the rest of their life.

{| class="wikitable"|align==="left"|'''Tip'''The BC government’s [https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/StudentAid BC] website has information on student loans, grants-scholarships Grants , and scholarships that do not have . Search the site for “disability” to be repaid]====Several BC and federal grants and scholarships listed here are find information on programs for students with a permanent disabilitydisabilities.|}

=Common questions===[https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/learning-disability-assessment-bursary Learning disability assessment bursary]====This bursary program helps part- and full-time students with the initial costs of the learning disabilities assessment.

==Other help and informationThe government turned down my application for disability assistance. Can I challenge it?==*'''[http://wwwYes.thelawcentreIf the BC Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction denies you disability assistance or reduces your benefits, you have the right to challenge their decision.ca/ The Law Centre]'''See our information on [[Income Assistance: this clinic in Victoria, run by University of Victoria law students, helps people with disabilities Reconsiderations and Appeals (who cannot afford a lawyerScript 288) to get employment insurance, CPP disability benefits, |reconsiderations and other benefits. They also help with appealsof income assistance, no. Call 250.385.1221288]].

*'''[http://www.lslap==A warrant is out for my arrest.bcCan I get disability assistance?==No.ca/ Law Students’ Legal Advice Program]''': this is like The Law Centre If you have an outstanding arrest warrant for an indictable or hybrid offence anywhere in VictoriaCanada, but University of you cannot get income or disability assistance in BC law students operate it. Clinics are throughout Greater VancouverYou must first do something about the warrant. Call 604See our information on [[Outstanding Warrants and Welfare (Script 204)|outstanding warrants and welfare, no.822.5791204]].

*=Get help=  ==With applying for disability benefits==For help in applying for disability benefits, you could seek out an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people, including with the paperwork involved. PovNet has a [http://www.lsspovnet.org/find-an-advocate/bc Find an Advocate Map at povnet.org]. Clicklaw’s [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/ Legal Services Society (LSS) helpmap HelpMap] lists dozens of advocates in BC]. At ''': LSS provides free student legal informationclinics''' in the Lower Mainland and Victoria, law students help people with disabilities who cannot afford a lawyer. The publication called “students help with applying for disability benefits and with appeals. In Victoria, call 250-385-1221 or visit [https://www.uvic.ca/law/about/centre/ uvic.ca/law/about/centre]. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-822-5791 or visit [http://www.legalaidlslap.bc.ca/ lslap.bc.ca].  ==More information=='''Disability Alliance BC''' has help sheets on [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/category/publications/pubhelp-sheets/ BC disability benefits] and [http://disabilityalliancebc.php?pub=491 org/category/publications/cpp-disability/ Canada Pension Plan disability benefits]. :Toll-free: 1-800-663-1278:Web: [http://disabilityalliancebc.org disabilityalliancebc.org] '''Legal Services Society''' offers free booklets on “[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1082 How to Apply for Welfare]” has and “[https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/4492 Welfare Benefits]” that explain disability assistance from the BC government.:Toll-free: 1-866-577-2525:Web: [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ legalaid.bc.ca] The '''Canadian government''' offers a [http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca Benefits Finder at canadabenefits.gc.ca] that asks several questions about your situation and gives a list of possible government benefit programs, with links to more information on social assistance.

'''The above was edited last reviewed for legal accuracy by John Blois[https://www.wilsonbutcher.com/lawyers/david-butcher/ David Butcher QC], Wilson Butcher.'''